Recently Johnnie Walker also underwent a rebranding process. Not in total, but in one of its expressions – the excellent Platinum Label. The whiskey took on a new look and was renamed. The reference to the color on the label came out and his age, which had always been eighteen years old, became evident. Platinum became Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years. In the case of Johnnie Walker Aged 18, the liquid remained unchanged, and what changed was only the packaging. And of course, the story behind the drink. According to the brand, Platinum – I mean, Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years – was created by master blender Jim Beveridge, and contains up to eighteen whiskeys from different regions of Scotland. According to him, “very matured malts can become very restrained over time, and the key to unlocking these flavors is the little and careful use of eighteen-year-old grain whiskey from the Lowlands.” He continues “I chose eighteen different whiskies, with outstanding flavor and character, including classic speyside malts such as Cardhu, Glen Elgin and Auchroisk, for their sweetness and elegance; Fruity, complex malts from the Highlands, including Blair Athol and beautifully matured malts from the islands, which allow me to introduce a subtle smokiness.” I would risk completing the formula revealed by Jim with two educated guesses: Caol Ila and Talisker. And Jim was very successful in that mission. Like (almost) all of the brand's whiskeys, Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years is lightly smoked. However, it also has a certain sweetness and citrus flavor that make it almost perfectly balanced. That's curious. In the case of Double Black or Gold Label Reserve there is a predominant note – smoky and sweet, respectively. But not in this expression. Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years is a serious, sophisticated and elegant blend. There is a clear exchange of appeal for complexity. Source: Cão Engarrafado website.